Abstract
Numerous hazardous chemicals are present on farms including pesticides, fertilizers and disinfectants. This article discusses the toxic effects and treatment of farm animals exposed to nitrates, urea, metaldehyde, anticoagulant rodenticides and phenolic compounds in asphalt, clay pigeons and creosote. Nitrate poisoning results in methaemoglobinaemia and urea can cause ammonia toxicosis, particularly in cattle. The molluscicide metaldehyde causes seizures which can be rapid in onset. Anticoagulant rodenticides produce coagulopathy and haemorrhage which can manifest in a variety of ways since bleeding can occur anywhere. Pigs are particularly susceptible to poisoning with phenolic compounds which typically presents as liver necrosis. The severity and susceptibility of poisoning in farm animals varies with species and duration of exposure. Although some poisons, such as anticoagulant rodenticides and nitrates, have specific antidotes, vitamin K1 and methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride), respectively, treatment is generally supportive with identification and removal of the source and management of clinical signs.
Published Version
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